ORSA is the same as MRSA (methacillin and oxacillin are both in the PCN class, just that when the sensitivities are used in the culture results, one test uses methacillin and the other uses oxacillin...it means the same).

As long as everyone understands the difference between CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA/nosocomial MRSA

Not really, though that is a key component. The difference is that BOTH bugs are resistent to Penicillins and in turn cephalosporins. These are the most common antibiotics. BUT...CA-MRSA (which is found in school gyms, nursing home furniture, locker rooms and is the primary cause of boils in healthy young people) is suseptible to alot of "old school" antibiotics (sulfa drugs like bactrim or septra).CA-MRSA usually doesn't cause many problems except stubborn boils.

Nosocomial MRSA, the dreaded hospital MRSA, is usually found in immunocompromised individuals...especially those on Ventilators. It has VERY high morbidity and mortality. It is usually treated with Vancomycin.

I got a staph infection from going into a hot tub....yuck!!! At first, the MD thought it was shingles but the boils were all over my trunk (not just one sided). When I mentioned I had been in a hot tub two days prior, she immediatley knew what it was. I was on antibiotics for 4 weeks; the first round of antibiotics did not get rid of it. The scars from the boils lasted over 3 months.

Psuedomonas creates a "slime layer" which can be found in the drains of bath tubs and showers. This is a protecting coating to prevent HEAT destruction.

Staph Foliculitis is common and it caused by YOUR OWN staphlococcal bacteria found on your skin (ie 'ingrown hair')...But your case is CLASSIC for psuedomonas.

I would bet the first round of antibiotics (likely a PCN or Cephalosporin), simply didn't work because they do NOT cover for Psuedomonas! The next drug, quite possibly Levaquin or Cipro or Oxacillan are all Psuedomonal killers!

I would bet my credit card that is the real issue. I would bet at the very least you had a MIXED disease...you killed the staph initially but never the Psuedomonas until the next round!